Which device is NOT considered a peripheral?

• A. A printer
• B. A scanner
• C. The motherboard
• D. A keyboard

Answer: (C)

The motherboard is considered the main circuit board of a computer and serves as the primary backbone, connecting various components such as the CPU, RAM, and storage devices. It is integral to the operation of the computer and is not a device that users connect externally.

In contrast, peripherals are devices that are added to a computer system to provide additional functionality and are typically external to the computer. This includes devices such as printers, scanners, and keyboards, all of which enhance the capabilities of the computer by allowing users to input data, output information, or perform other tasks. The defining characteristic of a peripheral is that it can be added or removed from a computer without affecting the core functioning of the system. Hence, the motherboard does not fit this definition and is not classified as a peripheral.